Subjects

Deadlines

Program Overview

The KIIS summer program in Italy begins in Florence with an exploration of the city’s world-class art and architecture. It then moves to Siena, where students wander the enchanting medieval streets and alleyways. The program concludes with nine days in Rome visiting museums, ancient ruins, historic churches, palaces and other destinations. By taking part in the local culture, students become acquainted with the Italian people and their way of life.

Language Requirement: None. All courses are taught in English.

Accommodations: Hotel, 3-5 people per room.

Orientation: Mandatory orientation on Saturday, April 18 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

All courses are taught in English and are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses. Due to the number of course offerings on the Italy program, courses are divided into 2 time-blocks. You cannot select 2 courses in the same time block.

Block 1

COMM 365 Intercultural Communication

This course builds on basic concepts, principles, and skills for understanding and improving communication between people from different ethnic/racial, national and co-cultural backgrounds in today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.

ITAL 105: Introduction to Italian Culture

This course introduces students to Italian culture by examining the many ways in which Italian artists, writers, composers, scientists, political leaders and others have contributed to World Civilization. The course examines Italian culture in historical perspective and as it is experienced today. Note: You must select one additional course when taking ITAL 105.

PHYS 475 Topics: Scientific Reasoning and Renaissance Culture

This course covers the development of Renaissance science and its connections to art and culture. Special emphasis will be placed on Leonardo, Dante, Copernicus, and Galileo, with an class project on Galileo’s trial. Visits will be made to sites where the work was done in Italy.

Block 2

ART 491 Topics: Italian Art and Design

This course will explore a range of design and artistic fields in which Italy has been a leader and trendsetter. We will use a variety of Italian cities as our classroom, where students will engage in creative encounters.

AMS 475 Topics: Roman Engineering and Architecture

This course explains the science behind ancient Roman engineering and architecture, including the aqueducts, bridges, and buildings, plus the rediscovery of techniques in the Renaissance. The class will visit the original structures.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

We take a day to leave the hustle-bustle of Florence for the nearby hill-town of Fiesole. There we tour the ruins of a settlement occupied by the ancient Etruscans and Romans. We have lunch in town, walk its charming streets, and hold classes on the piazza before returning to our Florence hotel.

Historical Ostia was the thriving port-city of ancient Rome and is now one of the world's preeminent archeological sites. We tour the ruins for an afternoon, exploring its monumental amphitheater and temple, scampering down its stoney streets and through its standing structures, and admiring the sculptures, mosaics and paintings that still remain in their original locations.

Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City.

The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world.

The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, students will experience these masterpieces firsthand.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. We will spend time exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.

In a kitchen overlooking the tiled roofs of Siena, a master chef leads us in the preparation of a multi-course dinner. We make our pasta from scratch, an entree and side-dish, dessert and hors-d'oeuvres, and throughout the evening we learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. After the meal is made, we sit down for a jovial and well-earned feast!

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($135), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $1000 minimum), independent travel ($850, optional) and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $1,800 – $1,900

The KIIS Italy program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Italy with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Florence, Italy is overnight, arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Rome, Italy to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

“I signed up for the KIIS Italy Study Abroad program expecting that I would only learn about Italian culture, but I ended up also learning more about who I am as a person.”

- Leen, Italy

“Deciding to study abroad with KIIS was the best decision I’ve ever made! I got to learn so much about Italian culture, see so many historical landmarks, and meet so many incredible people! I will always be grateful for all of the experiences and people I met while abroad. I can’t think of any other way I would want to spend my summer!”

- Hannah, Italy

“The KIIS Italy Summer trip brought me so many amazing experiences like getting to not only see the Pope but be feet away from him! I can’t explain how enriching and life changing this study abroad trip was for me! Not only did we get to visit busy cities like Rome and Florence but we also got to see the countryside in Tuscany! Italy is even more beautiful than the pictures!”

- Christina, Italy

“KIIS was such a special experience that I will never forget. Over the four weeks, I got to visit the most extraordinary places and create bonds with new people overseas. I learned more than I ever imagined about the places we visited and also about myself as an individual. I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to experience the KIIS Italy program.”

- Maggie, Italy

“My KIIS Summer Abroad in Italy was a life changing experience that brought me new perspectives and understandings. If you do take the extra initiative to broaden your horizons, you will find some of the most beautiful things this world has to offer.”

- Ashley, Italy

“For me this experience was so eye-opening, getting introduced to different cultures and just seeing how much larger the world actually is… Every little detail of each city, even the street art found there, adds to the certain character of that area.”

-Kathleen, Italy

"KIIS Italy was an experience of a lifetime for me. I learned so much about the culture, religion, art and people, but above all, I learned a lot about myself. Italy was absolutely beautiful, and I was fascinated with all the historic places and pieces of art there. My favorite place we visited was Rome because it's so old and contains so much history. This experience showed me that it's possible to go and do things beyond my comfort zone providing me with the confidence to achieve more in my future career wherever I end up.”

- Hayley, Italy

“I was incredibly nervous before my trip, but it turned out to be the most enlightening and extraordinary experience of my life. Seeing the medieval towns, ancient pieces of art and where our civilization began in person defy the ability to describe. The professors and my fellow students made it all the more enjoyable, and I know I have made lifelong friends. Spending a month abroad is the best way to experience, understand and enjoy the culture and the people and I wouldn't trade my time there for anything.”

Subjects

Deadlines

Program Overview

The KIIS summer program in Italy begins in Florence with an exploration of the city’s world-class art and architecture. It then moves to Siena, where students wander the enchanting medieval streets and alleyways. The program concludes with nine days in Rome visiting museums, ancient ruins, historic churches, palaces and other destinations. By taking part in the local culture, students become acquainted with the Italian people and their way of life.

Language Requirement: None. All courses are taught in English.

Accommodations: Hotel, 3-5 people per room.

Orientation: Mandatory orientation on Saturday, April 18 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Courses

All courses are taught in English and are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1-2 courses. Due to the number of course offerings on the Italy program, courses are divided into 2 time-blocks. You cannot select 2 courses in the same time block.

Block 1

COMM 365 Intercultural Communication

This course builds on basic concepts, principles, and skills for understanding and improving communication between people from different ethnic/racial, national and co-cultural backgrounds in today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.

ITAL 105: Introduction to Italian Culture

This course introduces students to Italian culture by examining the many ways in which Italian artists, writers, composers, scientists, political leaders and others have contributed to World Civilization. The course examines Italian culture in historical perspective and as it is experienced today. Note: You must select one additional course when taking ITAL 105.

PHYS 475 Topics: Scientific Reasoning and Renaissance Culture

This course covers the development of Renaissance science and its connections to art and culture. Special emphasis will be placed on Leonardo, Dante, Copernicus, and Galileo, with an class project on Galileo’s trial. Visits will be made to sites where the work was done in Italy.

Block 2

ART 491 Topics: Italian Art and Design

This course will explore a range of design and artistic fields in which Italy has been a leader and trendsetter. We will use a variety of Italian cities as our classroom, where students will engage in creative encounters.

AMS 475 Topics: Roman Engineering and Architecture

This course explains the science behind ancient Roman engineering and architecture, including the aqueducts, bridges, and buildings, plus the rediscovery of techniques in the Renaissance. The class will visit the original structures.

All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.

Program Excursions

We take a day to leave the hustle-bustle of Florence for the nearby hill-town of Fiesole. There we tour the ruins of a settlement occupied by the ancient Etruscans and Romans. We have lunch in town, walk its charming streets, and hold classes on the piazza before returning to our Florence hotel.

Historical Ostia was the thriving port-city of ancient Rome and is now one of the world's preeminent archeological sites. We tour the ruins for an afternoon, exploring its monumental amphitheater and temple, scampering down its stoney streets and through its standing structures, and admiring the sculptures, mosaics and paintings that still remain in their original locations.

Vatican City is considered to be the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The KIIS group will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, all of which are the most popular landmarks of Vatican City.

The Duomo is the main cathedral of Florence. With its famous cupola (dome) designed and engineered by Brunelleschi, fascade, baptistery and campanile, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in the world.

The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries showcase some of the most important artworks created during the Italian Renaissance. Home to famous artworks, such as, Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and countless others, students will experience these masterpieces firsthand.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum are some of the most important landmarks of western civilization. We will spend time exploring these ancient ruins that were once the center of the world and that have captivated our collective imagination ever since.

In a kitchen overlooking the tiled roofs of Siena, a master chef leads us in the preparation of a multi-course dinner. We make our pasta from scratch, an entree and side-dish, dessert and hors-d'oeuvres, and throughout the evening we learn the secrets of Italian cuisine. After the meal is made, we sit down for a jovial and well-earned feast!

To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($135), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $1000 minimum), independent travel ($850, optional) and any fees from your college/university.

Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $1,800 – $1,900

The KIIS Italy program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Italy with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.

If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.

The flight to Florence, Italy is overnight, arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Rome, Italy to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.

Student Voices

“I signed up for the KIIS Italy Study Abroad program expecting that I would only learn about Italian culture, but I ended up also learning more about who I am as a person.”

- Leen, Italy

“Deciding to study abroad with KIIS was the best decision I’ve ever made! I got to learn so much about Italian culture, see so many historical landmarks, and meet so many incredible people! I will always be grateful for all of the experiences and people I met while abroad. I can’t think of any other way I would want to spend my summer!”

- Hannah, Italy

“The KIIS Italy Summer trip brought me so many amazing experiences like getting to not only see the Pope but be feet away from him! I can’t explain how enriching and life changing this study abroad trip was for me! Not only did we get to visit busy cities like Rome and Florence but we also got to see the countryside in Tuscany! Italy is even more beautiful than the pictures!”

- Christina, Italy

“KIIS was such a special experience that I will never forget. Over the four weeks, I got to visit the most extraordinary places and create bonds with new people overseas. I learned more than I ever imagined about the places we visited and also about myself as an individual. I encourage anyone who ever has the chance to experience the KIIS Italy program.”

- Maggie, Italy

“My KIIS Summer Abroad in Italy was a life changing experience that brought me new perspectives and understandings. If you do take the extra initiative to broaden your horizons, you will find some of the most beautiful things this world has to offer.”

- Ashley, Italy

“For me this experience was so eye-opening, getting introduced to different cultures and just seeing how much larger the world actually is… Every little detail of each city, even the street art found there, adds to the certain character of that area.”

-Kathleen, Italy

"KIIS Italy was an experience of a lifetime for me. I learned so much about the culture, religion, art and people, but above all, I learned a lot about myself. Italy was absolutely beautiful, and I was fascinated with all the historic places and pieces of art there. My favorite place we visited was Rome because it's so old and contains so much history. This experience showed me that it's possible to go and do things beyond my comfort zone providing me with the confidence to achieve more in my future career wherever I end up.”

- Hayley, Italy

“I was incredibly nervous before my trip, but it turned out to be the most enlightening and extraordinary experience of my life. Seeing the medieval towns, ancient pieces of art and where our civilization began in person defy the ability to describe. The professors and my fellow students made it all the more enjoyable, and I know I have made lifelong friends. Spending a month abroad is the best way to experience, understand and enjoy the culture and the people and I wouldn't trade my time there for anything.”